Omni Talk Retail Walmart’s Got A New CEO, Google Will Call Stores For You & Target Is Sprinkling Cocoa | Fast Five
Nov 19, 2025
Chad Lusk, Managing Director at the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, shares insights from a recent consumer sentiment survey. He highlights cautious spending trends influenced by higher-income households and the rise of private label products. The conversation also touches on Walmart's leadership transition to John Furner and Google's new conversational shopping features, which include a unique capability to call stores. Additionally, Lusk discusses how consumers are adjusting their budgets this holiday season.
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McMillon’s Transformational Walmart Run
- Doug McMillon grew Walmart into a $680B revenue company and increased market cap by $576B during his tenure.
- Chris Walton calls McMillon the second greatest Walmart CEO after Sam Walton based on performance and culture.
Personal Encounters With Walmart Leaders
- Chris Walton recounts being told he reminded someone of Doug McMillon early in his career and feeling humbled.
- He shares meeting John Furner at Groceryshop in 2019 and praises Furner’s strategic clarity and approachability.
Furner’s Empathy-Driven Leadership
- John Furner is credited with driving Sam’s Club and Walmart US improvements through empathetic, curiosity-led leadership.
- Anne Mezzenga highlights Furner’s internal podcast and culture-building as key differentiators.